Thailand Constitution Day (December 10): History & Meaning
Constitution Day (Wan Ratthathammanun) is a public holiday in Thailand on December 10. It commemorates December 10, 1932, when King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) granted the country its first permanent constitution, following the revolution of June 24, 1932 that ended absolute monarchy.
| Name | Constitution Day (Thailand) |
|---|---|
| When | Every year on December 10 |
| Next date | Thursday, December 10, 2026 · in 46 days |
| Type | Public Holidays |
| Observed in | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| Topic | Patriotic & History |
| First observed | 1932 |
| Public holiday? | Yes |
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 10 every year |
| Thai name | วันรัฐธรรมนูญ (Wan Ratthathammanun) |
| Marks | First permanent constitution, December 10, 1932 |
| System | Constitutional monarchy |
| Number of constitutions since 1932 | About 20 |
| Current constitution | 2017 |
| Landmark | Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Bangkok |
From Absolute to Constitutional Monarchy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 24, 1932 | The Khana Ratsadon (People’s Party) carries out a bloodless revolution |
| June 27, 1932 | A temporary charter is signed |
| December 10, 1932 | King Prajadhipok grants the first permanent constitution |
| 1939 | The country’s name changes from Siam to Thailand; the Democracy Monument is completed |
| 2017 | The current constitution is promulgated |
How the Day Is Observed
- Government ceremonies and wreath-laying at the Democracy Monument and royal monuments.
- Thai flags and royal portraits displayed on public buildings.
- Schools and universities hold talks on democracy and the constitution.
- A popular day off for travel, often combined with the weekend.
👉 Also in Thailand: Thailand Father’s Day & National Day — December 5
👉 Also December 10: Human Rights Day
Thailand’s Changing Constitutions
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1932 | First permanent constitution after the end of absolute monarchy |
| 1946 | More democratic constitution with an elected senate |
| 1997 | The so-called “People’s Constitution”, drafted with wide public consultation |
| 2007 | New constitution after the 2006 coup |
| 2017 | Current constitution, approved in a 2016 referendum |
The Democracy Monument
Built in 1939 on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok, the Democracy Monument commemorates the 1932 revolution. Its central structure holds a sculpted copy of the constitution, and many of its design details carry symbolic numbers linked to June 24, 1932. It has been a gathering place for political events for decades.
Thai Holidays in December
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| King Bhumibol Memorial Day / National Day / Father’s Day | December 5 |
| Constitution Day | December 10 |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 |
- Visit the Democracy Monument and Ratchadamnoen Avenue on Constitution Day.
- Learn the Thai word for constitution, ratthathammanun (รัฐธรรมนูญ).
- Enjoy a long weekend at the beach — December is peak season in southern Thailand.
When is Constitution Day (Thailand)?
Constitution Day (Thailand) is observed every year on December 10. Here are the dates for the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 10, 2026 | Thursday | in 46 days |
| 2027 | December 10, 2027 | Friday | in 411 days |
| 2028 | December 10, 2028 | Sunday | in 777 days |
| 2029 | December 10, 2029 | Monday | in 1142 days |
| 2030 | December 10, 2030 | Tuesday | in 1507 days |
| 2031 | December 10, 2031 | Wednesday | in 1872 days |
FAQ
Thailand celebrates Constitution Day on December 10.
The granting of Thailand’s first permanent constitution by King Prajadhipok on December 10, 1932.
Yes, it is a national public holiday.
Thailand has had about 20 constitutions and charters since 1932; the current one dates from 2017.